Last year the question for the Dexter boys’ swimming and diving team was what do the Dreadnaughts do after winning back-to-back Division 2 state championships. They answered that last year by winning their third straight D-2 title.
So, what do they do this year? Well, go win a fourth one would be the easy answer. But there is nothing easy about winning state titles and the Dreadnaughts realize every team in the state will be trying to knock them.
The hard part of winning state titles has already begun for Dexter and that starts with putting time in the water, working harder than everyone else and beginning the process of building to be the best you can be at the end of the season.
Dexter coach Michael McHugh is in his 13th year as head coach of the Dexter swimming and diving program and will have plenty of help this season as the Dreads try to build on their dynasty. Dexter returns seven state qualifiers off last year’s team.
“The key for us will be developing the younger swimmers into key contributors,” says McHugh, whose team went 11-3 last year and also won the SEC White Division.
“Last year we had no entries at the state meet in the 500 free. The 500 has been one of our better events over the years and I’d like to get back there.”
Dexter’s top returners include:
Niklas Eberly, senior captain; All-SEC, All-State, All-American; State Champion 200 Free, 100 Fly, 200 Free Relay.
Casey Dolen, senior captain; All-SEC, All-State, All-American; State Champion 200 Free Relay.
Nathan Norris, senior captain; All-SEC.
Tanner Sharp, junior; All-SEC, All-State, All-American; state champion 200 free relay.
Paul Schaefer, junior; All-SEC.
Clayton Kinnard, junior; All-SEC, All-State
Top newcomers include junior Mitchell Sterlitz, sophomore Sam Sterlitz and freshmen Stuart Bovich and Cole Warren.
The Dreadnaughts open the season at the Pangbon Invitational at SVSU on Dec. 11. The home opener is Dec. 18 against Skyline.
